Uniform and Field Equipment

Upon becoming a member of Battlegroup Centre these are the basic Uniform and field equipment requirements of the group. Everything you will need is comprehensively explained and you will be guided through the process of purchasing required equipment by the groups Secretary .

Field Tunic (Feldbluse) M36

Beginning in that year the new tunic was issued to the Reichsheer and then the rapidly growing Wehrmacht Heer, although minor design changes continued to be made until the appearance of the standardised Heeres Dienstanzug Modell 1936. The M36 tunic still retained the traditional Imperial and Reichswehruniform color of grey-green "field gray" (feldgrau) wool, but incorporated four front patch pockets with scalloped flaps and pleats (on Reichswehr tunics the lower pockets were internal and angled). The front was closed with five buttons rather than the previous eight, and the collar and shoulder straps were of a dark bottle-green instead of theReichswehr grey. Compared to the Weimar-era uniforms the skirt of the feldbluse was shorter and the tailoring was more form-fitting due to Germany's adoption of mechanised warfare: soldiers now spent much time in the confined space of a vehicle and a shorter jacket was less likely to pick up dirt from the seats.It also included an internal suspension system, whereby a soldier could hang an equipment belt on a series of hooks outside of the tunic. These hooks were connected to two straps inside the lining, which spread the weight of equipment without having to use external equipment suspenders. The M36 was produced and issued until the very end of the war, though successive patterns became predominant.SS Field were of similar appearance externally but to fit their larger patches had a wider, feldgrau collar, and the lower pockets were of an angled slash type similar to the black or grey SS service-dress. The second button of an SS Feldbluse was positioned somewhat lower, so that it could be worn open-collar with a necktie. Due to supply problems the SS were often issued army uniforms.

Field Trousers (Feldhosen)

Originally the M1936 tunic was worn with the same slate gray (steingrau) trousers that the Reichswehr had introduced in 1922. These were high-waisted, straight legged, button-fly trousers with suspenders (braces) and three internal pockets plus a watch-pocket; in the field they were worn tucked into jackboots.In 1940 contractors were ordered to discontinue the manufacture of steingrau fabric and instead produce trousers from the same feldgrau cloth as the tunic; however Army depots continued to issue existing stocks and the older dark trousers were still frequently seen until around 1942.

Steel Helmet (Stahlhelm)

Developed from the First World War M-16 & M-18 helmets - one of the most iconic pieces of kit is the steel helmet or Stahlhelm.

The helmets were designed to protect the skull, neck, ears and eyes.During the course of the war 3 types were produced (M-36, M-40 & M-42) each with modifications to speed up the process of manufacturing and to cut down on materials used. German helmets differed from those produced by other nations in that they were manufactured in 5 different sizes to suit the head size of the wearer.The model shown is the M-36 which featured a rolled edge and grommet inserts for the air vents, Internally you can see the model 31 helmet liner which was made from soft leather or pig skin. This was fitted to an aluminium band and all held in place to the shell by 3 split pins.

Camouflage Helmet Cover (Stahlhelmbezuge)

It is made from the same material as the smock and is also reversible. The helmet cover is secured to the sides and rear of the helmet by means of rocker style clips. The front edge of the cover is secured by a reinforced lip of material which overhangs the bill of the helmet. The cover may have loops installed for attaching foliage.

Marching Boots (Marschstiefel)

German soldiers were issued Model 1939 marching boots. These boots came up to mid-calf, were constructed of brown leather and did not have laces. The term "jackboot" originally referred to reinforced cavalry boots but was later applied to a broader category. Despite being issued brown, German troopers were required to maintain a black finish on their boots by applying bootblack in their free time.

Side cap (Feldmütze)

Worn with tunic and trousers in non combat situations

Pay Book (SS Soldbuch)

The soldiers papers are carried at all times while on duty (in Dienst) The Soldbuch is the pay and ID document for all German Soldaten. Issued immediately after his entry into active duty during the war. The Soldbuch contains all the soldiers details including a photo, name, rank, promotions, pay grade, clothing, equipment, next of kin, awards, medical information, and a history of unit assignments. It is to be carried at all times in the left breast pocket of the tunic.Details of Group events attended by each individual member and training will be entered into the Soldbuch.This is a Mandatory Piece of equiptment

Gas mask container (Tragebusche)

There were three different versions of the gas mask tin, the 1930 tin, the 1936 tin and the 1938 tin. The only differences between these tins is the size and the sprung fastening clasp. The reason for the difference in size is the model of gas mask being carried. Straps were attached to the tin and it was slung over the shoulder and another smaller strap with a metal hook was attached to the back of the belt to stop it from banging when walking or running.In the top of the tin there was a compartment to store replacement lenses.Gas mask (Gasmaske)

Shown is the M-30 model mask with a FE-41 filter. The masks came in 3 sizes - 1 being the largest. The masks were produced from a rubberised canvas and held tight to the face by adjustable elasticated straps.

Kar- 98Bayonet (Bajonett)

The standard issue bayonet came in two main versions, both of which were the standard sidearm of the Grenadier and were designed for use with the Kar-98.

The early version had a wooden handle and a tempered steel blade, as the war progressed a later model was introduced with a Bakelite handle.

The bayonet was carried in a leather frog which was carried on the left hand side of the belt between the straps of the entrenching tool.

Quarter Shelter (Zeltbahn)

The German Army used Zeltbahns since the First World War. ByWW2 the German zeltbahn was cut in a triangular pattern, and four were buttoned together to form a single tent.Zeltbahns were made in the following patterns:

SS-VT Plane Tree 1-6Plane Tree Overprint 1-6Oak AOak BBlurred Edge

Each soldier was issued a zeltbahn, which was worn rolled up in an A-frame, or attached to the belt. When not worn, the zeltbahn doubled as a tent, and also had a hole for the head, so the zeltbahn could be used as a water-proof poncho.

Entrenching tool (Schanzzeug)

There were two main versions of the spade or entrenching tool issued to the enlisted man. The first version (pictured) had a square blade and a wooden handle. The handle was varnished to protect it from the elements and the blade was painted black.

The spades edges were often sharpened in readiness for use as a close combat weapon and were also sometimes tucked into the belt in an effort to protect the wearers heart during combat.

Regulation dictated however that the be spade carried in a black leather carrier which was hung from the left hand side of the belt alongside the bayonet (see inset).

A newer folding version was introduced in 1938 but did not see widespread service until later in the war due to cost and production time. This time the blade was pointed, made of steel and painted black. The handle was again

Water bottle & cup (Feldflasche ind trinkbecher)

The canteen was an aluminium flask with a screw top which had a litre capacity.It was covered in a removable brown felt cover which served to insulate the flask and prevent freezing in cold temperatures or could be soaked in water to keep the contents cool in warm temperatures.There were 2 kinds of cup attached to the bottles, a Bakelite one as seen in the picture and an aluminium one with a greater capacity of 0.27 litres which was painted black on the outside. In 1941 this colour was changed to olive green.The canteen and pot were held together by means of a leather or canvas strap, this strap also had a metal hook for securing the canteen and cup to the right hand ring of the bread bag.

Bread bag (Brotbeutel)

The version of bread bag used in WW2 was introduced in 1931 and thus known as the 'Brotbeutel 31'.It was a canvas bag with a single compartment and a large overlapping flap. The flap has two rings and leather straps to secure the mess tin and canteen. The flap was secured by means of three leather straps inside the bag. The bag was usually secured to the belt as shown in the inset picture, but could be carried with an auxillery strap which was fastened to two rings on the back of the bag.

M42 Oak B Smock (Tarnjacken)

Aside from the Stahlhelm, the Tarnjacken (Smocks) of the Waffen-SS are probably the most iconic of all WWII German uniform items. They were cutting-edge for their time. Many armies didn't adopt universal camouflage until the 30 or 40 years later. In 1942, several changes were made. Realising that it was more practical to wear the gear outside the smock, the vertical openings were eliminated. The waistband was raised and two slash pockets were placed below it. Small loops, grouped in threes, were added around the shoulders for attaching foliage. Later smocks had the waistband lowered several centimetres and others had the pockets angled like those on the winter parkas.

Belt buckle (Koppelschloß)

Belt buckle worn by all enlisted men up to rank of SS-Sturmscharführer from 1932, the motto was engraved on all belt buckles of the SS.

Mess tin (Kochgeschirr 31)

The mess tin was made of aluminium and had two parts, the pan or plate and the pot. The first part was used to warm up the food or as a plate. The pot had a wire handle and could be used to boil water or to warm food.The outside was painted dark or olive green as from 1941. It was either secured to the left hand ring on the outer flap of the bread bag or at the top of the A-Frame.In some photos you will see them carried upright on the A-frame and in some horizontally - this shows if the tin is full or empty.

Assault Pack (Sturmgepack)

Introduced in 1939, the Assault Pack was a means of carrying around bulkier items of kit, and dispensed with the need for the Tornister.Made from a strong synthetic cotton, items such a mess tins, Zeltbahns and greatcoat's were attached using leather straps. A small rectangular bag was also attached to the frame into which the Landser could put other items that he might need during his daily routine.The frame then hooked onto the Y-straps via the 2 shoulder 'D' rings (shown) and the auxillery straps.

Kar-98K Cartridge pouches (Patronentaschen)

Every rifleman was issued with two ammunition pouches to carry rounds for the K98 rifle.Made of leather, each pouch had three compartments held together by a curved back piece made from the same material. Each compartment held two clips of five 7.92mm rounds - thus, each pouch could carry 30 rounds.As shown in the inset picture, they had two straps on the back for the belt to go through and a metal d-ring for the Y straps to attach to.

Y Straps (Tragegestell)

Initially called ‘cartridge holder braces’ they were introduced to Infantry units from April 1939.The braces were Y shaped hence the more common name of Y-straps.One end had a metal hook which was adjustable to the back of the belt -the other two ends also had metal hooks which were adjustable and fastened to the back of the ammunition pouches.They also featured two 'D' rings on the shoulders and auxiliary straps, to which could be attached rucksacks or 'Assault frames' (A-Frames).

Erkennungsmarke (id tag)

Each member of BGC is issued an id tag by the group with a number stamped on it which corresponds with the number in the members Soldbuch this number is also to be written on each piece of the members equipment for purposes of identification and ownership .

﻿﻿﻿This is strictly a non political organisation and seeks only to portray the uniforms and equipment of the German soldier of World War II. No deliberate attempt is made to glorify the political beliefs of those who were in power at the time. Anyone attempting to use the group as an outlet to promote or further their own extreme political beliefs or ideals will not be tolerated. Members of Battlegroup Centre are unanimous in enforcing this policy.﻿